Shooting range sidelined by opposition

The U.S. Forest Service has backed off a proposed shooting range in Clay County following public opposition.

The forest service planned to build a new shooting range near Perry Creek in the Nantahala National Forest, but the site has been challenged by 13 separate appeals. Appeals cited noise, increased traffic and associated dust on access roads.

The Forest Service had looked at several possible sites for a new shooting range. An acoustical analysis contracted by the forest service showed noise impacts for neighbors would be minimal.

However, Tusquitee District Ranger Steve Lohr has now called for additional analysis and will announce a new decision on whether to go through